In a Catholic school the search for excellence is expressed in learning and teaching, which responds to the needs and aspirations of its pupils and acknowledges their individual worth as children of God. The overriding job of a Head of Department at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy is to teach and lead so that students learn effectively and Departmental staff feel confident to teach well. This will be done by: - modelling behaviour that reflects the Academy's Lasallian principles, showing awareness of God's presence in all people at all times. - leading and managing student learning through effective teaching in accordance with the Department's Schemes of Learning and the Academy's policies. -regularly monitor, evaluate and review the Department's curricula ensuring that it is sequenced well, ambitious and responsive to the needs of all students. - ensuring continuity, progression and challenge is in place in all lessons across the Department. - using a variety of methods and approaches to develop the intent of the curriculum and the range of student needs, whilst always ensuring equality of opportunity. - consolidating and extending learning within and across the Department and encouraging students to take responsibility for their own progress. - leading the Department to continuously improve the quality of teaching and learning. - working in the wider Collegiate community to help organise and deliver primary Science outreach. - setting high expectations for all students in the Department, deepening their knowledge and understanding and maximising their achievement. - always using a "warm strict" approach to classroom management and treating all students with a mutual respect. - effectively assessing, recording and reporting upon student progress. - developing and implementing a range of assessment techniques to provide own and others' feedback to students and to inform future planning. - being confident in preparing students for in-school and external examinations and leading others in the Department to do the same. - taking an active role in all matters concerning Health and Safety. - ensuring all practice and policy relating to the safeguarding of children is followed. - striving for personal and professional development through active and purposeful involvement in the Academy's appraisal process. - line managing and supporting the professional development and welfare of others in the Department. - being involved in the wider curriculum of the Academy and in being so, contributing to the holistic education of every student. -maintaining a working knowledge and understanding of teachers' professional duties as set out in the current Teachers' Pay and Conditions document. -undertaking any reasonable task as directed by the Principal (or on his behalf by senior leaders). -keeping up to date with subject knowledge, current research and pedagogical developments -representing the Academy and Newman Catholic Collegiate positively at all times.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Appropriate academic qualification e.g. Degree.
• Willingness to support and contribute to the ethos and mission of our Catholic Academy.
• Willingness to take an active part in Departmental and Academy development.
• Confidence to consult and use initiative.
• The ability to inspire confidence in both staff and pupils.
• An enthusiasm for the subject which is transmitted to students via a positive approach and demeanour.
• Ability to work independently and as part of different teams.
• Willingness to work hard and show resilience as a professional.
• Ability to innovate and encourage effective learning.
• A capacity to work in pressurised, time-limited situations with personal flexibility and good humour.
• Understanding of the importance of subject knowledge and challenge.
• Willingness to take part in extra-curricular activities.